Miguel Torres (born January 18, 1981) is a Mexican American mixed martial artist (MMA) who fights for the World Extreme Cagefighting organization. He is the current WEC Bantamweight champion. Prior to fighting with the WEC, Torres also held the bantamweight title for the US Shooto organization, as well as for the Ironheart Crown. Torres specializes primarily in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and also possesses a potent Muay Thai striking arsenal. As reported by UFC.com, in September 2008 Torres received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Carlson Gracie, Jr.
Sherdog.com ranks Miguel as the #1 Bantamweight mixed martial artist in the world and the #5 Pound for Pound mixed martial artist in the world.
Miguel received several offers to fight overseas in Brazil and Japan after the challenge was issued. Because these offers were not lucrative, he turned them down and continued to fight locally instead. His first fight with the WEC came on September 5, 2007 against Jeff Bedard. After beating Bedard, Torres went on to challenge Chase Beebe for the title, earning the bantamweight belt.
Today, Miguel continues to fight for the WEC, defending his title. He also owns and operates a mixed martial arts academy in Hammond, Indiana where he teaches nearly 200 students. Among these students are several up and coming fighters whom he trains to fight in the same local shows that he once competed in himself.